Repay Evil With Blessing

This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from Peter's first letter.  

1 Peter 3:8-17 NIV:

[8] "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 

[10] For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. [11] They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 

[13] Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. [17] For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."

When I read through this section, verse 9 grabbed my attention, as it is so opposite of the spirit of our age!  We want to repay evil with cursing, with judgment, with holding everyone responsible, and exacting vengeance!  We want to see karma rain down hard on those who hurt us, who are ugly in their treatment of others!  We want to see people get whats coming to them, the older gentrified saying is their comeuppance.  Our movies are full of bad-guys going down in the last bit of the movie, and we love it.  

Whether experiencing evil or insult in word or deed, Peter encourages us to respond with a blessing.  He says we were called to this response!  This is the invitation and command of the Lord, to love one another, as He loved us, laying down our lives one for another.  

Jesus specifically spoke about our response to those we would consider bad or evil, in His " Sermon on the Mount" as recorded by Matthew.  Here is His statement - Matthew 5:43-48 NIV:

[43] “You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

I am reminded of something Graham Cooke spoke about from his life, hopefully I remember this correctly.  Graham is a prophetic voice in the church, and at one time a local pastor was attacking him verbally, in the press, in his own church, to anyone that would listen.  Graham sought the Lord about how he should respond and the Lord told him to bless the man by donating to his ministry anonymously.  In fact, He had Graham slip money under his door at night, and this went on for months.  All the while this other man railed on Graham, even saying that he personally was being blessed by God and thinking that was God's way of approving his stance against Graham.  

Doesn't that just seem wrong? 

Imagine if that was the type of response of the Church?

I was reading an article this morning that said the biggest problem with church is "people".   We don't act like Christ, we don't speak like Christ, we don't love like Christ, we don't forgive like Christ, we don't shine like Christ!

However, we can do all of this, through Christ who strengthens us, through Holy Spirit who guides, teaches and empowers us!  We can be the light of the world if we are willing to love like He loves us, laying down our lives, our pride, our need to be right, our need for payback, and choose to love and bless!

I certainly know I can't do this on my own, but today I am encouraged to do all I can to bless and love!  I am encouraged to seek the empowerment of the Lord to be a witness to His love and blessing in the midst of an angry and hurting world!

Amen and Amen!  Help me Lord!